Dorito Taco Salad: A Fun Twist on Taco Night!

There’s nothing like a bold, flavorful salad that satisfies all your cravings while still being easy to make. Enter the Dorito Taco Salad, a zesty, crunchy, and incredibly satisfying dish that combines the best of tacos and salads in one bowl. You get the savory, spiced-up beef (or turkey if you prefer), creamy cheese, fresh veggies, and the irresistible crunch of Nacho Cheese Doritos! Oh, and did I mention the drizzle of Catalina dressing? Trust me, this dish is anything but boring!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a party favorite, or something to shake up Taco Tuesday, this salad has it all. Ready to dig in?

this Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Dorito Taco Salad Recipe

There are so many reasons to love this Dorito Taco Salad, but let me share my top favorites:

• Crunchy, creamy, and satisfying: The layers of flavors and textures keep every bite exciting. The crunch from the Doritos with the tender, seasoned beef and creamy cheese is pure perfection!
• Easy to customize: Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the meat! Love spice? Add jalapeños! The beauty of this recipe is in its versatility.
• Kid-approved: If you’re dealing with picky eaters, this salad’s fun ingredients (Doritos!) make it a crowd-pleaser. Even kids will ask for seconds.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the ingredients and how to make this delicious dish!

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Ingredients for Dorito Taco Salad

Here’s everything you need to make this flavor-packed taco salad:

• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey if you prefer a leaner option)
• 1 packet taco seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works great)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
• 1 small red onion, diced
• 1 avocado, diced (optional, but adds creaminess)
• 1 cup Catalina dressing (or ranch dressing if you prefer)
• 1 (9.75 oz) bag Nacho Cheese Doritos, lightly crushed
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

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How to Make Dorito Taco Salad

1. Cook the Ground Beef

Start by browning your ground beef (or turkey) in a large skillet over medium heat. Break the meat apart as it cooks to ensure even browning. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat. Add the taco seasoning mix according to the package instructions, and let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Set the seasoned beef aside and let it cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Salad

In a large salad bowl, mix together the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, shredded cheddar cheese, black beans, corn, and diced red onion. Toss the ingredients to combine them evenly.

3. Add the Ground Beef

Once the beef has cooled a bit, add it to the salad bowl and toss everything together. This helps incorporate all the flavors.

4. Dress the Salad

Pour Catalina dressing over the salad mixture and toss again to ensure every ingredient is coated with that sweet, tangy dressing. If you’re more of a ranch fan, go ahead and use that instead!

5. Add the Doritos

Right before serving, stir in the lightly crushed Doritos. You want the chips to keep their signature crunch, so adding them last is key.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top your salad with diced avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro if you’d like. Then serve immediately and enjoy the taco fiesta in a bowl!

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What to Serve with Dorito Taco Salad

This taco salad is hearty enough to be served on its own, but if you’re planning a Mexican-inspired feast, here are a few ideas to round out the meal:

• Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy, spiced Mexican rice complements the bold flavors in the salad.
• Guacamole and Chips: Because there’s no such thing as too much avocado, right?
• Refried Beans: Creamy, savory refried beans are a great traditional side dish to go with the salad.

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Tips for Making the Best Dorito Taco Salad

• Add the Doritos just before serving: This keeps them from getting soggy, so you’ll have the perfect crunchy bite with every forkful.
• Switch up the cheese: While cheddar is a classic, you can experiment with pepper jack or a Mexican blend for a bit more spice.
• Make it healthier: For a lighter version, use baked tortilla chips instead of Doritos and Greek yogurt mixed with taco seasoning instead of Catalina dressing.
• Spice it up: Add some jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.

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How to Store Leftover Taco Salad

Although this salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator. Just keep the Doritos separate so they don’t lose their crunch. Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, stir in some fresh Doritos, and your salad is as good as new!

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just omit the meat and add more beans or some seasoned tofu. You can also add additional veggies like bell peppers or zucchini.

What’s the best dressing for this salad?

Catalina dressing adds a sweet, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the taco seasoning. If you prefer a creamier texture, ranch dressing is a fantastic alternative.

How can I keep the Doritos from getting soggy?

The trick is to add the Doritos just before serving. If you plan to make the salad in advance, simply store the Doritos separately and mix them in right before eating.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well with the taco seasoning. It’s a great way to make this dish a bit lighter.

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Conclusion: A Salad That’s Anything But Boring

This Dorito Taco Salad brings together everything you love about tacos with a fresh, crunchy twist. It’s flavorful, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying on a casual night in. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or make it your own, one thing’s for sure: This is a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or share your salad creation on Pinterest. Don’t forget to rate the recipe—it helps others find it too!

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 22g
• Carbs: 42g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 8g

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